Hi everybody. New to the site and to planted tanks....so here goes. I have had tanks in the past but it's been awhile since my last adventure. I recently purchased a 75 gal and decided that I wanted to do a Asian planted community tank. Now I have been doing some research, still super newbie, but I have some questions that need answers before I can move on.
First... Regarding filtration and water turnover rates. I initially really wanted to do a sump to keep all the equipment from hanging off the back. I was recently told that I would need to have at least a 10x turnover per hour (750gph) and to accomplish this I would most likely need to add power heads in the tank. The suggestion of a fluval FX 5 would be a better setup. What do you all think?
Second... I bought a light fixture that has 2 x 54w T5 HO bulbs, 2 x 54w blue acinic bulbs and 8 LED moon lights. I believe that the light is rated at 12000k. I've been told that I should I should drop to 6500k bulbs. Thoughts?
Third... CO2! Oh CO2! I understand the need for it, but I have heard of low light no CO2 setups that are very low maintenance. We take several trips a year that are 7-10 days long and decreased maintenance is appealing.
I ask these questions now because I need to buy the equipment to start moving forward with my build. Any advice, comments and suggestion are greatly appreciated. Thanks!
First... Regarding filtration and water turnover rates. I initially really wanted to do a sump to keep all the equipment from hanging off the back. I was recently told that I would need to have at least a 10x turnover per hour (750gph) and to accomplish this I would most likely need to add power heads in the tank. The suggestion of a fluval FX 5 would be a better setup. What do you all think?
Second... I bought a light fixture that has 2 x 54w T5 HO bulbs, 2 x 54w blue acinic bulbs and 8 LED moon lights. I believe that the light is rated at 12000k. I've been told that I should I should drop to 6500k bulbs. Thoughts?
Third... CO2! Oh CO2! I understand the need for it, but I have heard of low light no CO2 setups that are very low maintenance. We take several trips a year that are 7-10 days long and decreased maintenance is appealing.
I ask these questions now because I need to buy the equipment to start moving forward with my build. Any advice, comments and suggestion are greatly appreciated. Thanks!